Innovative Curriculum and Instructional Approaches for Work and Learn: Practical Pathways and Research Perspectives

Young adults are facing a world characterised by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA) and one driven by technology, increasing electronic interconnectedness, and interdisciplinarity. Accordingly, institutes of higher learning (IHLs) such as universities and polytechnics face new challenges in preparing graduates to be ready for working life and to move smoothly into employment and continue to be employable. Consequently, innovative approaches to curriculum and pedagogically are necessitated. This chapter offers a contemporary profile of IHL graduates in Singapore, including their diverse pathways to and through tertiary education. It does so by drawing on accounts provided by the authors of practical ways in which IHLs are making graduates work-ready and upskilling the workforce through integrating experiences in education and work. Research perspectives and pathways comprising innovative curricula and instructional approaches from Singapore are advanced for effectively preparing young adults for transitions to working life and engaging their preferred professional occupations. The chapter emphasises the need to integrate education curriculum with work experiences and career guidance programmes including the development of capacities to better enable young adults to transition from structured classroom learning to work environments and across changing careers to adapt in this VUCA world.